diegesis

[ dahy-uh-jee-sis ]

noun

, plural di·e·ge·ses [dahy-, uh, -, jee, -seez].

1. the telling of a story by a narrator who summarizes events in the plot and comments on the conversations, thoughts, etc., of the characters. Compare mimesis ( def 2b ).
2. the sphere or world in which these narrated events and other elements occur.

Other Words From

• di·e·get·ic [dahy-, uh, -, jet, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diegesis¹

First recorded in 1800–10; from Greek diēgēsis “a narrative,” derivative of diēgeisthai “to describe, narrate,” from dia- “passing through, thoroughly” ( dia- ) + hēgeîsthai “to guide”

Example Sentences

A surgeon has bought the 'Diegesis', and tendered me half a sovereign to give him a private lecture to-morrow evening.

From Project Gutenberg